Unfortunately, obstructive sleep apnea treatment information is biased when it is solely provided by a sleep physician. People are naturally biased by what they know and what they see. A sleep physician is not a sleep apnea dentist. Even though the teeth, gums, tongue, palate and cheeks are obviously part of the body, physicians receive no training in this area. It's as though the mouth was not part of the human body. A physician often knows nothing what dentist has to offer. As a result, only medical methods are offered.

          All obstructive sleep apnea treatment options should be reviewed with patients diagnosed with OSA. The benefits, risks and negative factors of each sleep apnea device should be openly discussed. The medical management offered almost always involves a CPAP machine. These machines are difficult and uncomfortable. The mask pulls tightly onto the face and the machine does not know the natural rythym of a patient's breathing so it may force air in when the patient wished to breath out. The constant air pressure dries out patients' mouths and results in a dry cotton mouth upon awakening.

          A less obtrusive obstructive sleep apnea treatment , when applicable, is a dental sleep apnea device. The sleep apnea appliance used by Dr. Padolsky is removable. Most OSA patients suffer with mouth breathing and this appliance allows mouth breathers to breath through their mouths. There is nothing strapped to the outside of the face and no tanks of gases are necessary. Since there's no machine involved with a dental appliance for sleep apnea, there's no noise to deal with. Obviously, a dental appliance should be the first option.

          The dangers of sleep apnea are serious and this disorder should be treated. Dental approaches to obstructive sleep apnea treatment are available and should be discussed with all patients suffering with this disorder. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join their family of patients. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, the sleep apnea doctor in our group, is familiar with this disorder and with the dental methods to manage it. If you wish to consult with Dr. Padolsky, call 404-874-7428.